Mission Statement, East Providence Chamber of Commerce

This page provides information for our members about issues that relate to running a business in Rhode Island and Massachusetts. The chamber is a member of the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition, the largest business advocacy organization in the state; representing 12,500 businesses.

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The Voices of Business Heard Loud and Clear at the Rhode Island State House

The East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce and the business community were well-represented at a public hearing at the Rhode Island State House on Wednesday, March 26.

Thank you to our members who took time away from their workday to support the Chamber and the RI Chamber of Commerce Coalition in our efforts to speak-out against the proposed "Economic Growth and Fairness Act of 2008" (H-7950 and S-2668)

Thank you to our members who contacted their legislators directly, or used our government affairs Web site: www.RhodeIslandBusinessVotes.com, to oppose the addition of more taxes to solve the State's budget crisis.

Thank you to all business owners who are voicing their concerns about:

trying to remain in business;
keeping employees on the payroll;
hoping not to make the decision to relocate their company out of state; and just simply,
trying to make ends meet in the current economy.

Our message to the State and Local Legislators:

Don't Tax the Jobs Away!

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Chamber Members and Rhode Island Businesses:

The State's budget crisis has not been resolved. This issue will not be going away anytime soon. If you do not want your taxes increased, or have more added to the current long list of taxed items and services, please contact your legislator. Below are quick instructions for doing so. It will only take a few minutes, and the effect it will have is substantial.

www.RhodeIslandBusinessVotes.com

Follow these steps, when you reach the site: (Please print them before going to the site.)

Click on “Take Action Now!” link at the top right hand corner of the home page
Enter your home ZIP code in the yellow box and then click “Go”
Scroll down to end of page. Type in your home address, city and ZIP code in the yellow boxes, then click “Go”
Click on “TAKE ACTION” (Located toward top of page, under the heading “ACTION ALERT Vote No on Tax Increases”)
Fill-in the yellow boxes and other contact information requested
Scroll to end of page, enter the numbers into the yellow box, click “Send Message”

You’re done. Thank you for communicating with your legislators.

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Rhode Island Businesses and Residents:

Here’s what you can expect if the

"Economic Growth and Fairness Act of 2008" (H-7950 and S-2668) is passed.

Even if one of these items is approved, it is one too many.

An increase in personal income tax from 25% to 27.5%
A sales tax on dry cleaning, jewelry repair, golf and membership fees, movie tickets, marina fees and services, janitorial, landscaping, architectural, management consulting, property management, interior design and much, much more
A three-fold increase in the capital gains tax
A 2% tax on all legal and accounting services
New interstate phone taxes
Elimination of the Research and Development Tax Credit
A sales tax on clothing purchases of more than $250.00
Repeal of the Jobs Development Act
An increase on financial services taxes
An S-Corp non-RI tax of 9%
A sales tax on bus/van/truck rental companies
Elimination of the flat tax option and subsequent increase in personal income tax
Elimination of the Scholarship Tuition Tax Credit
A sales tax on boat manufacturing marketing and/or product line literature
Elimination of the Biotechnology Tax Credit and the Capital Investment in Small Business Tax Credit

And these are just a few examples.

Make sure your voice is heard at the Rhode Island State House!

Contact your legislators via our governement affairs Web Site:

www.RhodeIslandBusinessVotes.com

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Click here for the latest issue (February 2008) of Under the Dome... your source for government affairs information. This publication provides information on issues the Chamber Coalition is involved with on behalf of our chamber members.

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Through the Chamber's partnership with the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition, we are able to provide an important resource for our members. Click on this link www.rhodeislandbusinessvotes.com and read up on Rhode Island's current priorities and in just a few mouse clicks, contact your elected officials to let them know your opinion. Click on the e-advocates Action Center for the contact information for all Rhode Island legislators.

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Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition

Click on this logo to the business community's

one stop political action, education and involvement tool!

The East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce is proud to be a partner

in the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition; the largest business advocacy organization

in Rhode Island, representing 12,500 businesses.

Under The Dome - News from the Rhode Island State House

A publication for members of the East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce from the Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition. It is your source for government affairs information.

Click this link for the latest issue of Under The Dome, News from the Rhode Island State House - February 2008

Click this link for The Chamber Coalition's 2008 Legislative Agenda

Click this link for: 2007 RI Legislation and Positions of the Chamber of Commerce Coalition

Click here for an overview of the 2007 Rhode Island General Assembly Session

and the Coalition's position on these activites and votes.

Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce Coalition Background

The Chamber of Commerce Coalition is an expansion of a lobbying partnership that began in 1996. At that time, the Northern Rhode Island and Central Rhode Island chambers formed a partnership that provided the opportunity to combine the member voices of both chambers in a lobbying effort.

The Coalition was formed as the chambers recognized that Rhode Island needed an advocate at the State House to speak for the interests of business. While laws impact both large and small companies, most business owners and managers don’t have time to attend committee hearings and offer testimony on proposed legislation. By having their chambers of commerce act as their voice, company officials can easily have a say in the business of government. By unifying chambers throughout the state, the voice of business becomes louder and stronger.

The Coalition has grown in strength and numbers over the past eight years, expanding to represent thirteen chambers in Rhode Island and more than 12,500 businesses.

Structure

A Government Affairs Committee, made up of representatives from each of the nine chambers, governs the Chamber of Commerce Coalition. Each chamber ahs three voting position on the Government Affairs Committee, plus the Chief Executive from each Chamber. The chair of the committee is Thomas Madden, Esq., Principal, The Madden Law Firm.

The Government Affairs Committee establishes the Legislative Agenda one month prior to the start of the new legislative session, for ratification by the respective Chambers of Commerce. The Government Affairs Committee also makes policy recommendations on issues that are forwarded to the various Chambers for their review. In order to respond quickly to issues, the Government Affairs Committee is fully empowered by the respective Chambers to determine Chamber positions on issues and take action on them.

In the event the Chamber of Commerce Coalition adopts a legislative position that is in conflict with any partner Chamber(s), the Chamber of Commerce Coalition will not testify on behalf of said partner Chamber(s) and will note the difference of opinion for the record.

The Chamber Coalition works because of the respect that the participating Chambers have for each other, and their needed autonomy. The three lobbyists for the Chamber Coalition are: John C. Gregory, President/CEO of the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce, David R. Carlin, III, Vice President of Government Affairs for the Northern Rhode Island Chamber of Commerce; and Thomas Madden, Esq.

Past Successes and Future Plans

The Chamber of Commerce Coalition has been a forceful presence before the Rhode Island General Assembly, but may be called one of the State’s “best kept secrets” from the public at large.

Among lobbying successes in the past several years, the Coalition was active in supporting:

A four-year effort resulting in historic changes to the State Retirement laws, resulting in millions of dollars in savings to the state and municipalities.
House legislation requiring cities and towns to use the IRS Modified Accelerated Cost Recovery System (MACRS) schedule when assigning a depreciation schedule for assessment of tangible property tax.
Legislation permitting Health Savings Accounts in Rhode Island.
The November 2004 voter approved Rhode Island State Constitutional Amendment on Separation of Powers in state government.
The restoration of workforce development dollars to January 2004 status.

The Coalition also was active in helping to prevent:

The repeal of Historic Preservation Tax Credits legislation

Legislation adding a 7 percent sales tax to the sale of newspapers and newspaper advertisements.
An additional 1 percent or 2 percent state income tax on certain state earned income.
Legislation amending the antitrust rules and permitting independent contractor childcare providers to form a union and negotiate collectively with the state.
Legislation subjecting regulated industries to class action suits.

Now, as the Coalition grows in strength and number to become the largest lobbying voice for business in Rhode Island, Coalition members invite companies throughout the state to join their local Coalition member and become part of this group that is working to make Rhode Island a better state in which to do business.

Phone: 401-438-1212 Fax: 401-435-4581
For more information, please contact the

East Providence Area Chamber of Commerce.
office@eastprovchamber.com

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